CyboEnergy, a subsidiary of CyboSoft, General Cybernation Group Inc., unveiled its patent-pending CyboInverter, said by the company to be the world’s first solar power Mini-Inverter.
Each 4-channel CyboInverter can connect to four PV solar panels using standard MC-4 connectors. Multiple CyboInverters can easily daisy chain with ac cables, which connect to the power grid on one end.
Because the CyboInverter can perform Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for each connected solar panel, it solves partial shading problems. It can connect to panels with different sizes or brands oriented in different directions or angles. This "anything goes" design significantly improves the scalability, flexibility, user-friendliness, and ROI.
CyboSoft Chairman and CyboEnergy CEO Dr. George Cheng said, "In my view, a small solar power system on a residential rooftop or even backyard can be viewed as a personal power generation plant. CyboInverters offer a scalable approach to allow people to start small and grow gradually with recurring revenue through power generation. As the solar power system price comes down and electricity price goes up, this scalable approach makes even more sense."
As an example, one can install a small 1KW solar power system with four 250W solar panels and one 4-channel CyboInverter. During the first installation, a licensed electrician installs solar panels, Mini-Inverter, AC junction box, THHN wire, conduit and breaker to the service panel, and puts the system in service. Later, additional panels and CyboInverters can be easily added by a simple AC cable daisy chain, which can be done by almost anybody. "Since many states in the U.S. no longer offer incentives for solar power systems, this scalable approach can encourage homeowners to make a low risk yet affordable investment to build a personal power plant that can grow. This is a sustainable business model that could reach a critical mass and have a powerful impact on the energy industry," Dr. Cheng added.
So, what really is a Mini-Inverter? CyboEnergy gives the definition based on the following table comparing (1) Centralized or String Inverters, (2) Microinverters, and (3) Mini-Inverters.
A Centralized Inverter connects to all solar panels on a string through one dc input port. It has the lowest inverter per watt cost but has serious partial shading problems as well as complex design and installation requirements. Because a Centralized Inverter can handle a large number of panels, it is well suited for large commercial and utility scale solar power systems.
A Microinverter is mounted on the back of each solar panel. Since it performs MPPT for each panel, it solves partial shading problems and makes installation easy. The Microinverter market is showing a rapid growth. However, since each Microinverter supports only one panel, it is difficult to reduce the inverter per watt cost.
CyboInverter, as the first solar power Mini-Inverter, is designed to include multiple dc input channels that can connect to multiple solar panels and perform MPPT for each channel. This is a more cost-effective approach for inverter design, manufacturing, and installation. For this reason, it can provide the lowest per watt cost for an installed system. The CyboInverter’s scalable capability makes it well suited for small- to mid-size solar power systems, and potentially suitable for large or even utility scale projects.
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